Free Enterprise and Subsidies Don’t Mix

James Flanigan’s (“Pro Sports Wins Big With Taxpayer Assist,” March 18) brought to mind a thought that I have harbored for years: Why are non-leftists so innocent in their use of language.

For example, as an advocate of individual initiative, why not use “freedom of enterprise” instead of “free enterprise?” To a large part of the public, free enterprise connotes a vague concept, something gratis, bestowed by government on rich people. It does not come across as one of the freedoms, like speech, religion, press, etc.

As for Al Davis of the Raiders, he is negotiating for a government grant for a private business monopoly, which partakes of the mind-set of mercantilism. It may be private enterprise, but in no way is it freedom of enterprise. His business mentality is closer to Sir Francis Drake and other government-sponsored freebooters than to Henry Ford or Steve Jobs.

“Taxpayer-subsidized free enterprise” is an oxymoron.

ALBERT J. FORN

Santa Monica